By now, you’ve probably heard plenty about the H1N1 Swine Flu virus sweeping across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Although the swine flue viruses do not normally infect humans, it is possible. These infections normally come through direct exposure to an infected pig, but it can also be spread from one person to another. The current swine flu outbreak is a bit different than previous outbreaks, though, because it’s caused by a new strain of Swine Flu virus.

The virus is airborne, and it spread just like the regular flu. You can pick up the germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. There are several precautions you can take to prevent Swine Flu infection:

• Make hand washing should a frequent habit. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, for at least 1-2 minutes – especially after coughing or sneezing. You may also choose to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer – but we would recommend washing with regular soap and water after 5 uses of the sanitizer.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Always cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

• Try to avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. These are direct points of entry for bacteria, germs, and viruses.

• Sanitize areas of your home or office that are regularly touched by several people. For example: door handles, light switches, telephones, computer mouse and keyboard.

• Stay informed of what’s happening in your community. Your state and local health departments will have important information on Swine Flu infections and precautions in your area.

• And most importantly – don’t panic! While it’s good to be prepared, panic usually makes the situation worse.

Since the infection started spreading, hospitals have seen a huge increase in the number of people who want to be tested for the virus. And while we always promote preventive care & health precautions, we recommend that you only visit a hospital if your symptoms fit those of the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Those symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, and that means that you and your doctor can’t know, just based on your symptoms, if you’ve got swine flu. It takes a lab test to tell whether it’s swine flu or some other condition.

via Swine Flu (H1N1) – Swine Flu Symptoms – What Is Swine Flu – Swine Flu Treatment.

If you have flu symptoms, try to stay home and rest. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands regularly. If you have flu symptoms, and you have recently been to a high-risk area like Mexico, CDC officials recommend that you see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to take a sample from you and send it to a state health department lab for testing. If your doctor suspects that you have Swine Flu, they may choose to write you a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza. However, according to WebMD, not everyone infected with the Swine Flu virus will need treatment. In fact, many of the first people in the U.S. to have lab-confirmed Swine Flu made a full recovery without any form of treatment.

Keep in mind that your health insurance provider may not cover all forms of medical treatment. If you need more information on your insurance coverage benefits, you may contact your health insurer or review your health plan documents. And for those without health insurance, you may be able to visit a free health clinic for Swine Flu testing. If you are diagnosed with the virus and prescribed medication, you will be responsible for the cost of the medication.

It is also important to note that this season’s flu vaccine – the regular flu shot – will not protect you against the H1N1 swine flu virus. Although it should protect you against strains of the regular flu, the swine flu strain is completely different. Although  there is no current vaccine against the Swine Flu virus, the CDC and World Health Organization are actively working to make the vaccine.

We sincerely understand the worry associated with the Swine Flu infection, yet we urge you not to panic. Be aware of the symptoms, take precautions, and regularly wash your hands.

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